The State Security Services (SSS) has arraigned five associates of Timipre Sylva before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of concealing his whereabouts.
The defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifife Suobite—were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and aiding a fugitive.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly assisted in hiding Sylva, who has been declared wanted by the Federal Government following allegations linking him to the financing of an alleged failed coup aimed at destabilising the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The government had earlier declared the former Bayelsa governor wanted and reportedly moved to seize identified assets connected to him after investigators alleged he played a central role in the purported coup plot.
The five defendants were accused of concealing Sylva’s location on April 28, 2026, thereby becoming accessories after the commission of a felony, contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
When the charges were read in court, all five defendants pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the SSS, Emmanuel Orubor, subsequently requested a trial date to enable the prosecution to present witnesses and evidence.
Following the arraignment, defence lawyers sought bail for their clients. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sunusi Musa, who represented the first and fourth defendants, urged the court to grant bail, noting that his clients had remained in custody since October 25, 2025.
Separate bail applications were also made for the second, third, and fifth defendants.
Justice Lifu, in his ruling, granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court directed that each surety must submit an affidavit of means, provide evidence of tax payment for the past three years, and submit recent passport photographs.
Justice Lifu further ordered the court registrar to verify all documents and identities submitted by the sureties.
Until all bail conditions are met, the defendants are to remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The matter was adjourned to July 22 for commencement of trial.
Editor: Ada Ononye
